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About Us

The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association is a private non-profit organization located on the island of Nantucket, Massachusetts. The Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and, above all, educator, Maria Mitchell. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first American Professor of Astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell believed in “learning by doing” and today that philosophy is reflected in MMA’s mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities.

The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.

Our History:

One crisp, clear night in October of 1847, a woman stood alone on a Nantucket rooftop with a telescope at her side. While family and friends gathered in the light of the rooms below, Maria Mitchell gazed up into the stars. That night, Mitchell discovered a telescopic comet, invisible to the naked eye. This event propelled her to fame and changed the face of science and education throughout the world.

The Maria Mitchell Association was founded by some of her former students, family members, and admirers in 1902 (some time after Maria Mitchell’s death in 1889.) Today, the organization bearing her name strives to continue her legacy through preservation of her birthplace and papers, astronomical and natural science research, and interactive, hands-on educational programs for all ages.

Located on the island of Nantucket, Massachusetts, the MMA serves both visitors, seasonal and year-round residents. Now celebrating over a century of discovery, the MMA is dedicated to opening up the universe to curious minds, and allowing people to see what before was unseen. Our simple motto – “Explore, Educate, Enjoy” – captures the essence of our programs and activities.

Mission:

“The Mission of the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association is promotion of the legacy of Maria Mitchell and exploration, education and enjoyment of Nantucket’s land, waters and skies beyond. In fulfilling our mission we recognize the historic persona of Maria Mitchell, the foremost American woman scientist and educator of the 19th century, and her potential impact on contemporary thought by passing on her legacy of intellectual curiosity, respect for and love of nature, learning by doing, and the ideal of individualism.

Maria Mitchell’s contributions to astronomy, science, and education are the basis for our continuing tradition of high quality research and teaching which inspires today’s learners and tomorrow’s scientists. The NMMA provides scientific resources and educational programs for the community, uses Nantucket Island as an exceptional natural laboratory in which to study science and the environment, and maintains research and/or representative collections of Nantucket’s biodiversity.

We strive to delight our members, supporters, and visitors by providing high quality programs, services, and facilities. We strive to ensure our financial viability and the preservation of our buildings and important collections so that current and future generations can share in this legacy. We strive to collaborate with other institutions (both on- and off-island) to share relevant organizational assets to accomplish these objectives, obtain cost efficiencies, and reduce our impact on the environment.”

Did you know?

“Mitchella,” a minor planet (asteroid) #1455 discovered on June 5, 1937 by the German astronomer A. Bohrmann, was named after Maria Mitchell. To take this photograph, Dr. Vladimir Strelnitski, with the Maria Mitchell Observatory’s 24-inch telescope, used a special technique that allowed for “stopping” the image of the fast moving asteroid. This method resulted in the the elongation of the images of surrounding stars.

Featuring

Snapping Turtle

The common snapping turtle is a large freshwater turtle of the family Chelydridae. They have been known to live up to 47 years in captivity though it is estimated that in the wild they live up to 30 years. The Snapping Turtle’s habitat can be found in aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds and small streams. They tend to walk along the bottom of the pond scavenging for food. Their diet consists of vegetation, fish, snakes, crustaceans, and carrion. Interestingly, when in water, they tend to be less aggressive and very shy. They will move away from people and other animals unless they are in search of their prey. On land, they have the opposite reputation and are infamous for their aggressive behavior and strong jaws.

Maria Mitchell Association

Maria Mitchell Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is the promotion of the legacy of Maria Mitchell and exploration, education and enjoyment of Nantucket's land waters and skies beyond.